David and Goliath is M's favorite Bible story. Not a big surprise there for a 3-year-old. It’s got action, suspense, and a giant! It is by far the most chosen story during Bible reading time at breakfast. Recently he wanted to act out the story with his brother. So, of course, since he's bigger, he was Goliath and J was David. M grabbed a blue blanket and used that as a river and found a soft ball to be the stone that defeats Goliath. “Thud thud thud” goes M’s heavy Goliath steps. When J would crawl over to the “river” and grab the “stone” I would take it and swing it above his head and -whiz- it would fly and hit Goliath and Goliath would fall down dead. In the past, I've thought, wow, this is kind of a heavy story for a very young child because of the killing, but M has reacted well to us explaining the story at his level.
“The world is rated R, and no one is checking IDs. Do not try to make it G by imagining the shadows away. Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows” - Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl by N.D. Wilson
I always try to ask a question after reading the story to apply it to his life. For this story, we usually talk about how David was probably scared but he knew where to put his trust (in God) and he stood up when others did not want to do what was right and that God is bigger than scary things/people and God always wins his battles. I will ask him, "Who is bigger than the sky? Who is bigger than the world? Who is bigger than the thunder? Who is bigger than him? Who is bigger than Daddy?" His answer is, "God!" Sometimes the roles reverse and he asks me who is bigger than something. I know the answer to this one!
Manna:
When issues come up (ex: scared of thunder) remind them that God is bigger than scary things. Pray out loud with your child about the issue. Ask God for courage and strength for your child (apply a memorized verse within the prayer, if possible). When they are still scared, because they are still young, suggest that they hug a stuffed animal and imagine that God is hugging them. Remind them that God loves them and is with them.
Examine God's bigness. When you're outside, stop and look up at the sky and ask your kids to join you. Stand there, staring, for more time than you normally would. Take it all in. Ask your kids what colors they see in the sky. Look at all the different shades of green. What an artist God is! Notice the enormous size of the sky. Talk about outer space and how far it goes. What an architect God is! Listen to the sounds around you. What a musician God is! Watch the different types of birds fly by and the squirrels climb high. What a creative God we have! Breathe deeply while you watch the clouds gently floating by. Be in awe that God spoke all this into existence with just a word.
M acts out the story in kinetic sand
The David and Goliath story is good for me too. I need constant reminding that God is bigger than all my giants. All the things I fear. God is bigger than any pandemic and the chaos it brings. God is bigger than all the sadness, hatred, and tragic things in the world that happen to me and to others. I love listening to this song called "Giants Fall" by Francesca Battistelli.
What are you in awe about when it comes to God's bigness? Share with your kids! My kids love to copy me. Sometimes they even copy my hiccups. Weird! House full of boys - they love any body function noises. They enjoy what I am enjoying. Remind me to pretend to not enjoy chocolate next time so they don't want any! Take advantage of their imitating and joy in participating. Show them what being in awe looks like.
Check out this video about how big God is by Francis Chan. God created and holds every single thing in His hands! Isn't that amazing!?
Lord,
May we delight in the fact that You are bigger than everything yet you care deeply for each one of us and what goes on in our lives. (Psalm 36:5-6) May we grow more in awe of you with every breath.
Amen.